Foods high in sugar and fat could be as addictive to some people as cocaine is to a drug addict, according to a new study by Connecticut College.
The study used Oreos in a test with lab rats. Scientists weren't picking on Oreos; the cookies were just used as way to get enough sugar and fat to the rats.
Researchers found that foods with high sugar and high fat activated pleasure centers in the brain even more than the equivalents of cocaine or morphine.
"It may explain why some people can't resist these foods despite the fact that they know they are bad for them," Connecticut College professor Joseph Schroeder, who led the research, said.
It isn't clear yet if the findings would be the same in people, but it could indicate some people are literally addicted to junk food.